Ziro Valley, a World Heritage Site, is a marvelous tourist attraction in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. The valley is filled with lush green paddy fields and is ideal for adventure lovers and nature lovers. Nature photographers are attracted to the valley for its picturesque views. There are a lot of places in the surroundings that serve as a perfect spot for travelers. The valley houses the Apatani tribe and serves as a laid-back holiday destination.
Ziro is a town, and the Ziro Valley gets its name from the town itself. Ziro is the district headquarters of the Lower Subansiri district, and the urban part of the town is called Hapoli. Locals call Hapoli “Hao-Polyang.”
You can also enjoy the amazing Ziro Music Festival there…
How to reach?
Ziro Valley has located just 115 km from Itanagar and is well connected by road. The nearest airport is Lilabari that is just 123 km from Ziro. Another convenient way of traveling to Ziro is via train. The nearest railway station is Naharlagun railway station which is 96 km from the town. You can hire a private cab from the railway station to reach Ziro.
Situated at an elevation of 1688 meters to 2438 meters, one of the best things about Ziro is the weather here. The scenic hills and the majestic rice fields surrounding the valley add a certain charm to the valley’s beauty.
Apart from this, Ziro also houses an Advanced Landing Ground of the Indian Air Force. The best time to visit Ziro is during summer as the weather here is really pleasant during those days.
Also Read, Tawang the Hidden Paradise of India
Where to Stay?
There are a variety of options where you can book your stay during your trip to Ziro. The stay options include hotels, resorts, homestays, and Air BNBs. There are stay options in various price ranges that suit the budget of everyone, including backpackers.
The Food In Ziro Valley
For those who like to do many experiments with their food, few places as good as Ziro to experience a totally new taste. The locals in Ziro use bamboo for cooking their food. As bizarre as it might sound, you can try the silkworms or rats locally prepared if you have the guts to take it to the next level.
Things To Do In Ziro Valley
Enjoying The View At Kile Pakho:
Kile Pakho is a marvellous location in the valley that provides a breathtaking view of the Ziro plateau and the snow-capped Himalayas.
Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary:
Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 337 sq km and houses diverse flora and fauna. It is also the house of the endangered clouded leopards. The Wildlife Sanctuary has located just 4 km from the town. It is a perfect destination for wildlife photographers and nature lovers.
Dolo Mando:
Dolo Mando is a trekker’s paradise among one of the best tourist attractions in the valley. It is a quaint hillock located West of Ziro that offers majestic views of the Hapoli town. The hilltop is motorable and offers a bird’s eye view of the entire region. It is one of the must-visit places in the region.
Pine Grove:
Pine Grove is an ideal picnic spot that serves as a peaceful and relaxing spot far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Covered with hundreds and thousands of Pine trees, it is also one of the places where you feel really close to nature. You can also click several Instagram-worthy pictures while exploring the grove. You can also go a little further to explore the majestic kiwi garden, where you can enjoy tasty and organic Kiwis.
Midey:
Midey is another popular trek in Ziro famous for its dense cover of blue pine trees. Passing through challenging trails and a series of pine and bamboo trees, Midey is another spot that every adventure junkie must explore. While there are limited or no activities to indulge in Ziro, it can be your perfect escape from the busy city life.
The Ziro Valley and the surrounding areas can be explored well in 2 to 3 days, including the treks. You can also book customized tour packages from any tour agency if you are not confident enough about exploring the valley on your own.